Consett-based Elm EV Charging Solutions set to expand

A fast-growing North East firm which specialises in the installation of electric vehicle charging points plans to boost its turnover by 500% by the end of 2014.

Consett-based Elm EV Charging Solutions was founded by partners Dan Martin, Suzie Guest and Anthony Piggott in June 2013. The company installs charge points at homes and commercial locations in the North East.

The firm was initially set up with £5,000 personal investment on the back of the Government’s announcement in February 2013 to support the uptake of plug-in vehicles in the UK.

Normally costing more than £1,100 to buy and install, the domestic charge points are financed by the Government. A £400m Government cash pot was set aside to encourage people to buy electric and electric hybrid vehicles.

Elm EV received £130,000 from the first round of £37m worth of funding allocated to the installation of tens of thousands of EV charging points across the country.

The firm has an agreement with Lincolnshire-based manufacturer Rolec Services Ltd on the supply of outdoor and indoor electrical connection, hook-up and distribution equipment.

As a result, it has since installed charging points in more than 400 North East homes, with commercial clients including Phoenix Taxis in Blyth, Northumberland, one of the UK’s biggest EV taxi firms, and the Benfield/Nissan group.

MD Dan Martin said: “The company was set up in June 2013 after a six-month research period.

“We now cover the whole of the North East and have plans in 2015 to expand countywide, replicating the success of what we have achieved in our region.

“We plan to boost turnover through commercial sales and our predicted turnover for 2014 is £1,719,800. As electric car sales grow, more work places and hotels/restaurants will need to offer electric charging points to customers and staff.

“The current Government grant ends in March 2015, but we are confident that it will be extended.”

The business employs 10 staff, but is already looking to add to its office and installation teams.

Elm EV Charging Solutions’ director, Suzie Guest, added: “Public charging points are beginning to be located by local councils and businesses in a number of areas around the UK.

“We are delighted to be Rolec’s recommended fitter of their products in the North East and hope this industry-recognised backing will help us to bring our environmentally-friendly products to as many commercial and domestic properties as possible.

“Government funding allows us to offer our domestic customers a completely free service. We will fit a charging point to the exterior of a domestic property, which as well as future proofing the home, adds value.

“Looking through to next year we are hopeful a commercial grant will be issued to help companies and organisations to have charging equipment fitted into their places of work.”